27. Marina

27

MARINA

M arina's heart thundered in her chest as she walked toward Peter, her dress whispering against the wooden steps of the stage. His eyes shone with such love and joy that she almost forgot to breathe. When their gazes met, his face split into a broad, beautiful grin that made her weak at the knees.

"Beautiful," he mouthed as she reached him. "So worth the wait."

She wanted to tell him that he looked incredibly handsome in his tuxedo, that her heart felt like it might burst from happiness, but she held her tongue. With the Clan Mother standing before them on her raised dais, it didn't seem appropriate to speak, even in whispers.

Marina had seen the goddess several times by now, but her presence still took her breath away. The otherworldly beauty, the glowing skin, and the raw power emanating from her elicited awe and the kindness and love radiating from her inspired adoration.

Annani was a real goddess, or as real as it got, but regrettably, she didn't have the power to grant immortality. That particular miracle, if it came at all, would have to come through Kaia's and Bridget's research.

The crowd's cheers and whistles felt like a precious gift, the warmth of their support washing over her. This was the community that had taken her in, accepted her, and made her one of their own despite her humanness. Wonder and Wendy were grinning as if their own sister was getting married, Lusha was beaming with pride, either at Marina or at her handiwork with her makeup, and in the crowd, Marina's mother dabbed at her eyes while her father held her hand.

Even Peter's mother was smiling and clapping.

Everyone knew the challenges that lay ahead, but today wasn't about that. Today was about love, hope, and new beginnings.

Annani waited for the crowd to settle, her presence commanding silence without the need for words. When she finally lifted her hands, the air itself seemed to still.

"Beloved family," she began, her voice carrying effortlessly across the gathering without the help of a microphone, "we are here today to witness the joining of two hearts, two lives, two souls who have chosen each other despite all obstacles."

Marina felt Peter's fingers tighten around hers.

"Some might say their path will not be easy," Annani continued. "That the differences between them are too great to overcome. But love—true love—has never concerned itself with such worldly limitations."

Tears pricked at Marina's eyes. She blinked them back carefully, remembering Lusha's warnings about her makeup.

"I have watched Peter grow in the Guardian force to become a leader." Annani's gaze shifted to Marina. "And I have watched Marina brave a new world with grace and courage, earning her place in our community through her strength of character and the purity of her heart."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. Marina's vision blurred despite her best efforts to hold the tears at bay. Lusha's stern words echoed in her mind, commanding her to focus on happy, non-mushy thoughts.

"Together," Annani said, "they remind us that love is not about what we are but who we choose to be. That the bonds of the heart transcend all other considerations."

She turned to face them fully now, her otherworldly beauty softened by genuine warmth. "Peter and Marina, you stand before your community today to pledge your lives and your love to each other. Are you ready to recite your vows to each other?"

"We are," they answered in unison.

Peter's voice rang strong and sure to Marina's near whisper, and his fingers tightened around hers. She drew strength from his steady presence beside her.

"Then let us begin." Annani raised her hands again, and Marina felt something shift in the air—like electricity but softer, warmer. "Before the gathered witnesses, before the Fates themselves, speak your vows to each other."

Peter turned to face Marina, his eyes bright with emotion. She could hardly believe this was real—that she was here, marrying this incredible male, with a goddess presiding over their union. But Peter's hands were warm and solid in hers, anchoring her to this perfect moment.

She might not have forever, but she had this man who looked at her like she was his whole world, and for now, that was enough.

More than enough.

It was everything.